Kiradech targets home triumph in Chiangmai

Chiangmai, Thailand, November 12: Kiradech Aphibarnrat hopes to become the first Thai champion at the US$750,000 Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT which gets underway on Thursday.The reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner will contend against Major champions Charl Schwartzel of South Africa and Jason Dufner of the United States at the majestic Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai.An in-form Scott Hend of Australia, the 2010 Order of Merit winner Noh Seung-yul of Korea, two-time Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant and retired tennis player turned professional golfer Paradorn Srichaphan will also feature in the second edition of the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT.“I’ve got my family, friends and golf fans here to support me this week. A few of them even came from Bangkok with me. I set a higher target for myself because I don’t want to disappoint them. My family has been a great support to me so I really want to show them what I can do,” said Kiradech.A two-time Asian Tour winner, Kiradech is determined to win his first title in 2014 in front of his home crowd.“We’ve got a strong field this week with two Major winners here so it will be a pretty good challenge. It would mean a lot to me if I can win an Asian Tour event on home soil, especially in front of the home crowd,” said the confident Kiradech.The 25-year-old was sidelined for six weeks in August and September due to a persistent knee injury but rediscovered some of his best form after posting a tied-second finish in Japan right after he returned in September and a tied-10th result in Macau last month. Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand“I struggled a bit at the beginning of this season but there have been some improvements in the last couple of months since I got back from my knee injury. I thought I came back stronger after recovering. I feel more confident with my swing now and my ball striking is much better than before,” said Kiradech.Other notable names in the elite field this week include Antonio Lascuna of the Philippines, ranked seventh on the Order of Merit, Steve Lewton of England, who won his first Asian Tour title in Chinese Taipei last month, and Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka, last week’s runner-up at the Panasonic Open India.The Chiangmai Golf Classic is supported by PTT Public Company Ltd, Advanced Info Service Plc, Toyota Motor Thailand Co.,Ltd., Siam Commercial Bank PCL, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Provincial Government of Chiangmai, Chiangmai Provincial Administrative Organisation, The Northern Golf Resort Association, Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai, Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, Italian-Thai Development PLC, Advanced Information Technology Public Company Ltd, Sport Authority of Thailand, CAT Telecom Public Company Ltd, TOT Public Company Ltd, Fenix Apparel and Accessories Co. Ltd., Ricoh (Thailand) Limited, Diageo Moet Hennessy Thailand, Panasonic Siew Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Jebsen & Jebsen Technology, Hytera Communications Corporation Limited, Oakley, Furama Chiangmai and Standard Tour Co.,Ltd.About the Asian TourAs the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Sponsor), Oakley (Official Eyewear and Footwear Sponsor), PRG (Official Accessories Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Srixon (Official Ball), Titleist (Official Web Partner) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.asiantour.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf.

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